Saved Articles

Legislators Give Boost to Status of Freelancers

Everyone talks about the "gig" economy, where workers are all essentially freelancers. But one city is reining in this "Wild West" system, and this may be a trend. Click through to learn about some new rules that affect the way companies and freelancers work together.

Local Entertainment And Events Calendar

You'll always know where the fun's going on with our interactive local events calendar featuring social sharing, images, videos and ticket links. Click throughto see what's happening or to add your own local events.

How to Work With the IRS Office of Appeals

Tax audits are rough, but you have recourse even if they don't end up in your favor. If an auditor rules against you, but you believe the ruling to be in error, you can appeal the decision. Click through for details on how to make an appeal.

How to Get a Tax Break After a Disaster

Each season brings its worries about potential natural disasters, including hurricanes, blizzards, tornadoes and floods. But know that the damage is often tax-deductible. Click through to see what the IRS allows after a major loss.

Time to Think About Tax Scams

Death and taxes are two of life's great certainties, as everyone knows, and along with taxes come tax scams, both new and old, every year. Click through to learn how to make sure you don't become a victim this year.

How to Dress for Success in Today's World

In past generations, office wear was a simple proposition, but today, guidelines for proper clothes are all over the place. Click through for some thoughts on dressing for success in these confusing times.

How to Pick the Right 401(k) Provider

You're ready to provide a company-sponsored 401(k) retirement plan -- for yourself and your employees. How do you choose a provider? Click through to learn how to select a service provider for the long haul.

Know the Tax Rules for Part-time or Seasonal Help

From resorts during the summer to department stores in December, many businesses need to hire part-time and seasonal help. Click through to learn about the special tax rules for these kinds of staffers.

What Is a Deferred Annuity -- and How Does It Work?

An annuity contract that delays payments of income until you elect to receive the money is a deferred annuity. Click through to understand how it works and the important role it can play in estate planning.

Don't Try to Be Funny with the IRS

It's OK to disagree with the IRS. In fact, there's even a formal appeals process. But don't try to pull a fast one. Click through to find out what the IRS considers a frivolous argument, which can lead to severe penalties.

Get the Lowdown on Probate -- And How to Avoid It

Almost everyone has heard the term "probate," but many have only a vague idea of what it means and all the steps involved. Click throughfor an introduction to the probate process, and tips on how to get through it or even avoid it entirely with trusts.

How the New Tax Law Affects Housing

Of the many changes in the new tax law, few are more controversial, or wide-ranging, than the provisions that modify the deductions available to homeowners. Click through for a sense of how these may affect you.

Know the Ins and Outs of Joint Tenancy

It can be a great way to own property, helping owners avoid probate and spreading both risk and reward. But there are some pitfalls and it isn't for everyone. Click through for the key points of joint tenancy.

Should You Consider Owning a Franchise?

Maybe you're tired of working for someone else. But starting your own business can be risky. A middle ground for many is the franchise -- be your own boss, but with the backing of a big company. Click through to see if this is the right move for you.

Noncompete Agreements: Should You Insist on One?

A noncompete agreement can help minimize loss if a competitor tries to lure one of your employees away. But there are limits to how these work. Click through to become aware of all the implications before you ask your staff to sign one.

How Do You Research Salary Rates?

Whether you're running a company or working for one, you want to know what the market rate is for people with a specific skill set and experience in a particular region. Click through to powershift your salary rate research chops.

In Search of a Financial Advisor

Almost everyone could use some help managing their money, from the modest to the wealthy. How do you find someone reliable? Click through for some insights into choosing and working with a financial advisor.

Learn the Secrets of Key Performance Indicators

How do you know if you're doing well? It's a more complicated question than you may realize. Click through to learn about the different ways to measure your company's performance, and which ones are right for you.

Is a Reverse Mortgage Right for You?

As you reach your sunset years, you may want to remain in your house but still tap the equity you built up over the years. Click through to find out if a reverse mortgage can solve your problems and how to get started.

How to Hold Real Estate in Your IRA

Traditionally, IRAs contain funds or individual securities, but it's possible to put other kinds of investments into these accounts, including real estate. Click through for some insights into the rewards and dangers of this strategy.

Business Tax and Bad Debt

Do you have a client or customer who won't pay? Even when all attempts to collect a bad debt have failed, the IRS may give you a break at filing time. Click through to see how to take that bad debt off your taxes.

What's the Deal With Palimony?

Marital property rights are in a state of transition, not the least because of recent developments regarding the rights of people who are not spouses at all but near-spouses. Click through to be privy to the debate on spousal rights.

How to Choose a Financial Planner

Financial planners advise clients on how best to save, invest and grow their money. Click through to see how they can help you tackle a specific financial goal like buying a house or getting a macro view of your money and the interplay of various assets.

Want to Succeed? Become a Joiner!

Becoming a member of professional organizations can help you strengthen your network, furthering your career. Click through to see how you can enhance your professional development through business associations.

What to Do if You're Audited

It's every taxpayer's nightmare: Your tax return has been selected for examination. Your response will undoubtedly be "why me?" Click through to get some tips on how to respond to get through this as painlessly as possible.

Living Wills: Everybody Should Have One

It's hard to contemplate, but there may come a time in your life when you can't make decisions for yourself. That's what a living will is for. Click through to find out how these work and why you need one.

Ex-Spouses, Pensions and Social Security

Dividing assets after a divorce can be difficult in the best situations, but when it comes to pensions and Social Security, it can be a nightmare. Click through for the "straight dope" on splitting retirement assets after a divorce.

Check Your Withholdings

We all go into tax season hoping for good news, and that we don't have to write a big check to the IRS. One way to insure ourselves against unpleasant surprises is by checking our withholdings. Click through for some tips on checking your status.

What to Know About 'Power of Attorney'

A power of attorney allows you to appoint a person or organization to manage your affairs if you become unable to do so. Click through to discover the different types of powers of attorney with different levels of control.

Social Security Taxes: The Basics Heading into 2017

Social Security may be universal, but not every employer knows the details or is aware of its essential responsibilities. Click through for an introduction to key facts on Social Security and what you must do for your employees.

How Does the ADA Work?

The Americans with Disabilities Act is a federal law that prohibits employers from discriminating against a qualified person who has a disability. Click through to discover what's meant by the ADA's call for reasonable accommodations and who decides what's reasonable.

Special Video Report: Estate Planning Is About Tax Savings and More

Conventional wisdom holds that estate planning is just about making sure money flows smoothly to the next generation. But there's a lot more to it. Click through for a video that outlines the full range of estate planning.

Don't Roll the Dice on Taxes and Gambling Income

Gambling winnings are fully taxable and must be reported on your federal income tax return. Click through to see that it doesn’t matter what games you play -- you’re required to report all your gambling winnings and pay taxes.

What Must You Disclose About Your Retirement Plan?

Do you have a pension plan for your staff? If so, do you know what you must disclose to them? Click through to learn more about the regulations that govern retirement plan disclosures to make sure you're following the complex rules.

Why Is Padding Your Tax Deductions a Risky Proposition?

Everyone does it, right? Padding your tax deductions may not seem like you're playing a game of Russian roulette, but the risk can be substantial. Click through to learn more about padding deductions and better solutions for your business.

Don't Get Caught by IRA Rollover Rules

You have a lot of flexibility with an IRA, but there are some important, and rigid, rollover rules. Don't find yourself accidentally violating them. Click through for information on a rollover rule many investors don't know about.

What's the Deal on Estimated Taxes?

If you're self-employed or have income other than a salary, you may need to pay estimated taxes to square your tax bill throughout the year. Click through to see whether you need to make estimated tax payments every quarter.

What You Need to Know as an Independent Contractor

In today's economy, there can be a thin line between being an employee or being an independent contractor -- but there are still important differences. Click through for key tips on knowing your status.

What to Do if Your Business Is Audited

Small Business and Insurance: Know the Score

There is no lack of options when it comes to insurance for your small business. Not every business needs every kind, but you should know what's available. Click through to get started thinking about business insurance.

Watch Out for Reverse Mortgage Scams

Reverse mortgages can be a great resource for older adults who want additional income for home care or other essential expenses. But you have to be careful when entering into an agreement. Click through to make sure you're not being cheated.

How to Avoid Micromanaging Your Staff

You're a manager, and so you need to manage. But how much? Too many managers go overboard on the details. Click throughto learn what some of the signs are that you're overmanaging, and how to stop doing so.

Tax Calendar for the Rest of 2017

Although April 15 is the most famous, there are plenty of other tax deadlines both businesses and individuals need to know. Click through for an annotated list of taxes to be paid between July 1 and Dec. 31.

Are You Giving Your Taxes Year-round Attention?

Giving your taxes your full attention just once a year isn’t the best business strategy. Experts suggest that a year-round approach is better for your finances. Click through to learn the best ways to evaluate the impact of taxes throughout the year.

Essential Business Data is Just a Click Away

For business owners who want to make sure they're competitive, fresh, accurate benchmarking information is a must. How does your business compare with the industry as a whole? Click through to see how you stack up against your competitors.

The Ins and Outs of Virtual Offices

A significant proportion of your workers use technology to perform their jobs from home. Click through to see how virtual offices blend home and work to gain efficiencies that benefit both employer and employee.

Permanent Life Insurance: Right for You?

There are very few circumstances in which you will not need life insurance. Even single people use it to fund final expenses and medical bills. Click through for an overview of this essential financial product.

Working While Collecting Social Security Benefits

Can you work while you're receiving Social Security benefits? Before you make a decision that could impact your future, it is important to know all the facts. Click through to learn more about Social Security rules for those still in the workforce.

The Ins and Outs of the Earned Income Tax Credit for 2018

The EITC can be a powerful hand up for working people with low incomes, but the details are often misunderstood. Click through for the provisions of this important credit and a chart with the latest numbers.

PREPARING FOR THE NEW OVERTIME LAW

On March 13, 2014, President Obama signed a Presidential Memorandum directing the Department of Labor to update and modernize the regulations defining which white collar workers are protected by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) minimum wage and overtime standards. Click Through to learn more about this!

5 Steps to the Successful Multi-Office Business

Your company is expanding -- and that's great! You've grown from one office to two, three, or even more. But you need to be able to manage all of them to continue to grow. Click through for some help in multi-office management.

Deciding How and Whether to Pay Bonuses

Additional remuneration in the form of performance bonuses or incentive payments can help retain good staff. Click through to get details on choosing how and whether the incentive or bonus should be paid.

Surviving the Personal Tax Audit

It's the fear of every taxpayer and a staple subject of comedians and TV shows: the tax audit. But you can make it go a lot more smoothly, and increase the odds of a good outcome, if you are well-prepared.

The Latest Fraud Problem: Synthetic Identities

The most common form of identity theft these days is synthetic identity theft. If that sounds ominous to you, you're right to be scared. Click through to find out about this new twist on fraud and how to spot it.

How to Challenge Property Taxes

One thing all homeowners can agree on: Complaining about property taxes is one of their favorite pastimes. However, you may be able to actually do something about high taxes. Click through to learn how to appeal your property taxes.

How OSHA Can Affect Your Business

No matter what kind of business you run, you have to know something about OSHA, which oversees workplace safety. Click through for some insights into how OSHA works and why you need to be familiar with its rules.

Steps to Choosing a Charity

These days, you want to donate with your head as well as your heart, making sure a charity is legitimate, well-run and aligned with your values. Click through to learn how to effectively make a charity a worthwhile part of your legacy.

Moving and Mileage: Roundup of TCJA Changes

The new year brings a suspension of moving expenses, but higher depreciation limits for cars, trucks and vans. Click through for IRS information on tax reform changes to expenses for moving, mileage and travel.

How Much of a Raise Should You Give?

If you have good employees, how do you compensate them for their work? Click through for tips on how to give raises based on market averages while making sure your best people feel appreciated each and every payday.

Should You Put Your House in a Trust?

Placing your home in a trust has advantages, like avoiding probate court, but there are a lot of details to get through. Click through to help figure out if this is the right move for you and what it involves.

Baby on the Way: Knowing All About Maternity and Paternity Leave

There's a good chance you'll eventually have to deal with some kind of parental leave in your office, whether it involves an employee or employee spouse pregnancy, or an adoption. Click through for some insights in creating a policy.

Inherited IRAs: Not Safe From Creditors

IRAs have many advantages, including legal protection from creditors when the owner files for bankruptcy. But there's a chink in the armor. Click through to learn about how the situation may be different with inherited IRAs.

What's New With Mergers and Acquisitions?

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) has changed many facets of tax planning, including mergers and acquisitions (M&A). There are new wrinkles in the M&A process — and new opportunities. Click through for some insights into the new world of M&A.

How to Pick Insurance Deductibles

High premiums for low deductibles? It can be a hard decision, and sometimes it might feel like a gamble. You need to understand the full picture. Click through to educate yourself on why one type of plan might be more suitable than another.

What Every Employer Must Know About State Unemployment Tax

The vast majority of employers in the United States must pay state unemployment tax, the collection of which is authorized by the State Unemployment Tax Act (SUTA). Click through to learn more about SUTA and what it means for your business.

How to Manage Your 529 Plan in 2018

The cost of college keeps going up, and you need to become more proactive in how you save for it. Click through for some insights into how to save for higher education and how these methods fit into the new tax law.

Leave Your Estate to Your Grandchildren

There may be reasons to skip your children and leave most or all of your estate to your grandchildren. This is possible, but there are pitfalls.Click through to learn about generation-skipping transfer tax.

What Are Capitalization and Safe Harbor?

There are a lot of considerations when it comes to filing your annual taxes. Many business owners forget about subtle deduction issues, which may mean leaving money on the table. Click through to find out more about capitalization and safe harbor.

Does Your Company Need Key Person Insurance?

In business, it's hard to find time to consider something that isn't really urgent but that can be incredibly important. Click through to learn how to protect yourself against the loss of a top employee.

The 401(k): Just the Beginning of Retirement Benefits

Retirement plans are one of the most popular benefits companies can offer, and even small businesses can get in on the game. Click through for an introduction to retirement plans that are perfect for small businesses.

Don't Forget Your Military Tax Breaks

Whether you haven't yet filed taxes for this year or are already doing tax planning for next year, consider these often-forgotten breaks. Click through for an introduction to the tax benefits the federal government offers to military personnel.

Charitable Giving Under the New Tax Law

Important new tax changes mean that the charitably minded might want to consider new giving strategies and take a look at appreciated stock and donor-advised funds. Click through for insights into charity in this new era.

Estate Planning Is NOT Just for the Wealthy

There's a common perception that estate planning is only for those with vast wealth. But that's wrong. Click through to get a deeper understanding of the importance of planning for even modest estates.

Cross-Border Tax Issues With Canada

If you do business in Canada, you need to understand how the U.S./Canada Income Tax Treaty may affect your business. Click through to see how to capitalize on doing business with our largest and closest trading partner.

Working Philanthropy Into Your Estate Plan

If you've been a philanthropist in life, you'll likely want to keep giving after death. Estate plans can provide the ability to do just that. Click through to learn about incorporating charitable gifts into your estate plan.

Can You Trust the Cloud With Your Taxes?

When it comes to taxes and other sensitive financial information, email is NOT the way to go. Click through to see how a secure cloud platform is the way to go to receive and review tax and other financial documents.

Bitcoin: What's Happening?

Bitcoin, the digital currency, has been in the news a lot recently. What's it all about and how does it work? Is it something you should invest in? Click through for a quick review about this controversial financial product.

Smart Practices to Ferret Out Fraud

When you think about fighting fraud, you may consider hiring financial experts to help -- that's great, but it's not all! Click through to see why your first step should include everyday practices to discover whether your firm is experiencing fraud.

How to Manage the Home Office Deduction

Many people work at home in the age of the telecommuter. Do you fall into that category? Have the rules changed? What are the limitations? Click through for an introduction to this valuable but complicated tax break.

Should You Honor All W-4 Requests?

Employees' W-4 forms show what they want withheld from their paychecks. It's their responsibility to complete the forms, but do you have to accept each form no matter what? Click through for some insights into your responsibilities.

Umbrella Insurance: An Estate Planning Necessity

Umbrella insurance is extra liability coverage if you're at risk of being sued for damages. Click through to learn how to protect yourself -- and your estate -- against libel, vandalism, slander and invasion of privacy.

Making Sure Your Homeowners Insurance Is Up to Date

If you don't review and update your policy regularly, you could miss out on some substantial discounts and overlook glaring coverage gaps. Click through to review scenarios to consider when taking a second look at your policy.

Getting a Break From a Spouse's Tax Error

If you sign a joint return, the IRS may be able to collect any outstanding tax relating to that return from you -- even if your spouse was the one who reported incorrectly. Click through to discover the ways you can escape paying your spouse's tax.

Get the Inside Scoop on Annuities

Annuities can be a good way to ensure a steady stream of income in retirement, but you need to do a lot of investigating beforehand. Click through to find out if annuities are right for you, and how to choose one.

How to Plan for Special Needs Children

It's always a challenge making sure your children are taken care of in the event of your death — but's it even more critical when you have a special needs child. Click through for some advice on the special estate planning provisions these children need.

Homesharing for Seniors

Today there are many options for senior housing. Consider intergenerational co-housing villages for folks who want to live with all age groups. Click through to learn about balancing a desire for privacy with a need for companionship and support.

Develop a Social Media Plan and Implement It

Want your business to get found online? You don't have to be a Fortune 100 company to take advantage of social media. Click through to see how direct communication with customers has the potential to transform your business.

How to Organize Vacation and Sick Time

Vacation and sick time are among the most popular and common benefits you can offer your workers. But you do have a system for offering these days off? Click through to learn how to set up a fair and logical time-off system.

Effects of Reciprocal Agreements on Your Business

Do you have employees who live in one state but work in another? If so, they probably are covered by a state reciprocal agreement, which eliminates dual taxation. Click through to learn more about tax reciprocal agreements.

Government Makes Tax-Related Inflation Adjustments

We're just on the cusp of 2017, and it's already time to think ahead to 2018. Wise taxpayers will take these changes into account now, as part of their financial plans. Click through to see what may affect you.

Special Video Report: Are Health Savings Accounts Right for You?

Health savings accounts can be a helpful way to help manage healthcare costs, in conjunction with traditional insurance plans. The trick is knowing how they work. Click Full Article below for a video that explains some of the key details.

How to Create a Mission Statement for Your Company

It's wonderful when you read a firm's mission statement and it defines the business so well that it feels like strategy. How do you do it? Click through to read the five steps to creating a mission statement that's not generic, stale and completely useless.

New Pension Plan Limitations Announced

The IRS is taking into account cost-of-living adjustments on pension plans and other retirement-related accounts for tax year 2017. Click through for some good news for many who want to put away a little more.

Do It Right: Legal HR and Payroll Practices

You could fill a bookshelf with all the rules and guidance on payroll and HR generally, and employers have to be vigilant. Click through for some advice on how to get started and remain on the right path.

What You Need to Know About Basis

The concept of basis is an important one, and in the context of inheritance, it's often misunderstood. What does it mean for estate planning? Click through for an introduction to how the IRS looks at the value of an inheritance.

Estate Planning: The PBS Way

Whether it's from public television, your alma mater or a local charity, you may very well receive requests from organizations asking you to remember them in your will. Click through to find out exactly what this means.

When It's Time to Take Money Out of Retirement Plans

We spend much of our working life focused on how much we put into our retirement accounts. But eventually we have to focus on money coming out of the accounts. Click through for some guidance on the distribution rules.

The End of the 40-Hour Workweek?

Ever since we were students in classrooms, our days have been structured around eight-hour blocks. But does that make sense? Click through to enter a discussion on whether we can set our own schedules.

Uncover the Tax Basics for Charitable Contributions

Everyone knows that charitable donations are deductible, but there are a lot of subtleties. Before you add up your deductions, make sure they're eligible. Click through for some basics on charitable giving.

What's the Deal on the Earned Income Tax Credit?

The earned income tax credit, which makes $55 billion available annually to the working poor, has been around since 1975, but is still often misunderstood. Click through to get the facts of this useful but complex tax break.

Know All About Your Miscellaneous Deductions

Miscellaneous itemized deductions are deductible only if they exceed 2 percent of your adjusted gross income. You need to make sure that these deductions are ordinary, necessary and reasonable in amount, says the IRS. Click through to get specific details.

Joint Tenancy: Good Idea or Bad Idea?

Couples and business partners take title to each other's bank and brokerage accounts, as well as real estate and other personal property. They are joint tenants with rights of survivorship. Click through to see what you should consider before entering such arrangements.

How Does the Gift Tax Work?

Is it truly better to give than receive? Ask the IRS. Even if you give gifts to relatives and friends, the government wants its piece of the action. Click through for some details on the little-known gift tax.

Special Video Report: Know the Importance of Job Descriptions

For businesses to survive and prosper, employees have to adapt quickly to changing situations. That's why it's more important than ever that job descriptions reflect employees' job duties. Click through to learn how to make sure management and staff are all on the same page.

Are Adult Children Responsible for Their Parents' Care?

Are adult children responsible for their parents' medical care, not just morally, but legally? Click through to learn what the rules are if you're one of the many people who live in a filial care state.

Facing the Emotional Side of Mergers

Many articles and books have been written about how to do a merger, and many speakers have pontificated on the subject. Click through to see that the one missing ingredient is the range of emotions that accompany the transaction.

Why Compensation Plans Are Your Key to Success

You create a plan for marketing, a plan for sales, and a plan for technology. Make a plan for employee compensation as well. Click through to learn about this essential but sometimes forgotten business management task.

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